1 Residents DT VOLUME 121, ISSUE 50 displaced TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2021

PAGE 6 Students say they had to leave their homes for renovations with little notice from The Quarters.

connor downs / the daily texan staff Starting at $677/month Managed By students, Find your New home (bills Included!) for Students Walk to UT Friendly community

at a co-op! High-Speed Internet COVID-19 Precautions units open now & for summer and fall! apply at collegehouses.org Contents: CONTACT US MAIN TELEPHONE (512) 471-4591 Opinion News Life&Arts Sports EDITOR-IN-CHIEF When we look Candidates UT students Brock Emily Caldwell at diversity for 2021-22 navigate Cunningham (512) 232-2212

DT page page page page at UT, it’s student body unaccom- has become [email protected] 04 important to 05 president 07 madating 12 a fan favorite MANAGING EDITOR discuss disability rights debated policy positions professors following the despite not filling up the Trinady Joslin PERMANENT STAFF advocacy. Monday night. winter storm. stat sheet. (512) 232-2217 Editor-in-Chief Senior Sports Writers [email protected] Emily Caldwell Matthew Boncosky, Taylor Hawthorne Managing Editor CAMPUS NEWS OFFICE Trinady Joslin Newsletters Editor Assoc. Managing Editors Maia Borchardt (512) 232-2207 Emily Hernandez, Ariana Copy Desk Chiefs Arredondo Phoebe Hayes, Lawson [email protected] Director of Digital Strategy Freeman Hal Riley Assoc. Copy Desk Chiefs CMHC expands online scheduling opportunities The Texan strives to present all Director of Diversity & Irissa Omandam, Megan information fairly, accurately and Shankle, Chloe Roman Inclusion completely. If we have made an Areeba Amer Design Editor By Kiernan McCormick online scheduling makes error, let us know about it. E-mail Internal Relations Director Christina Peebles Sanika Nayak Assoc. Design Editor @KiernanMcCormi4 the brief assessment ap- [email protected]. External Relations Director Megan Fletcher Abhirupa Dasgupta Senior Designers pointment process easier Assoc. Opinion Editors Eunice Bao, Juleanna Culilap for students. Isabelle Costello, Hannah Video Editor The Counseling and Lopez, Julia Zaksek Brendan Long “Basically, (online sched- Forum Editors Mental Health Center be- Assoc. Video Editor uling) introduces another Daisy Kielty, Maria Sailale Jackson Barton gan offering online sched- Illustration Coordinator Sr. Videographers level of convenience and Abriella Corker Hannah Ortega, Matthew uling for brief assessment Editorial Illustrator Posey flexibility into our clinical Charlie Hyman appointments for the first Photo Editor system for students,” Redd News Editor Jack Myer time Feb. 10. Lauren Girgis Assoc. Photo Editors said. “We’re not taking any- Assoc. News Editors Kirsten Hahn, Jamie Hwang A brief assessment ap- Hannah Williford, Brooke Senior Photographer thing away. Students can Ontiveros pointment is a 15-20 min- Connor Downs still call, they can still — in News Desk Editors Comics Editors ute phone call where stu- Anna Canizales, Amanda Barbra Daly, Rocky Higine non-COVID times — walk Figueroa-Nieves, Andrew Assoc. Comics Editor dents can discuss mental Zhang Destiny Alexander into the counseling center health needs and possible Beat Reporters Sr. Comics Illustrators Skye Seipp, Samantha Cynthia Trevino, Sylvia and get their needs met Greyson, Tori Duff, Kevin treatment options with Asuncion-Crabb Vu, Sheryl Lawrence, Lauren right away.” Abel, Lauren Goodman, Social Media Editor a counselor. Prior to Feb Laurie Grobe Katya Bandouil 10., students could only Psychology junior Nimisha Life&Arts Editor Assoc. Social Media Editor Jain said she thinks online Aisling Ayers Nuzha Zuberi schedule brief assessments Assoc. Life&Arts Editor Senior Digital Staffers scheduling reduces the anxi- Benjamin Cohen, Chloe Young over the phone. Students Lauren Castro ety some students experience Life&Arts Desk Editors Audio Editor can now make an appoint- Aurora Berry emma george / the daily texan staff Grace Barnes, Jennifer Errico when scheduling a brief as- Sr. Life&Arts Reporters Assoc. Audio Editor ment through their MyC- Fiza Kuzhiyil, Morgan-Taylor Addie Costello sessment appointment over Thomas Senior Audio Producers MHC web portal on the Carly Rose, Jackie Ibarra the phone. Sports Editor CMHC website. Carter Yates Editorial Adviser “I think the assessment Assoc. Sports Editors Peter Chen Marla Craig, senior as- Stephen Wagner, Nathan Han sociate director for clin- policy is really effective and ical services at CMHC, I think it can really help said CMHC has discussed people who might be too the introduction of online nervous to call in because ISSUE STAFF scheduling for brief as- they’re feeling anxious,” Jain said. “I know a lot of Comic Artists L&A Reporters sessment appointments Emily Reed, Alex Donovan, Ikram Mohamed, Hanaa Irfan, the times I’ve had to use Chloe Pertuit, Emma George, Zoe Tzanis for years. She said one Megan Clarke, Azul Elizondo News Reporters of the main motivations (phone scheduling) with my Copy Editors Kiernan McCormick Valeria Sixtos, Adriana Van friends and make the call Photographers behind implementing Tho, Katie Stam, Casey Ellis Andrew Zamora for them.” Designers online scheduling was Sports Reporters Minka Atkinson, Isabella Waltz Riley Glenn students’ requests. Redd said CMHC recogniz- Opinion Illustrators Emily MacCormack “Sometimes we can es the pandemic has height- implement ideas right ened mental health struggles away,” Craig said. “Oth- for many students, due to er times, it takes longer financial concerns, school, because it impacts oth- housing and socialization. Craig said CMHC aims AUSTIN WEATHER er services or it impacts delivery. … We’ve been to use online scheduling to support students regardless TODAY TOMORROW trying to figure out how March 2 March 3 we would do that, be- of their circumstances. “I cause technologically it’s just want us to be there as just been a lot more chal- a support for our students lenging for us to figure and to be as accessible as HI 64º HI 70º out how to do that.” possible,” Craig said. “And LO 37º LO 43º Katy Redd, associate to be able to use whatever technological means we can mood: piles of color palette director for prevention, screenshots on the desktop development and media to make sure that we are relations at CMHC, said available to them.” 3

LAUREN GIRGIS CONTACT US News Editor | @THEDAILYTEXAN TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2021 MAIN TELEPHONE 3 (512) 471-4591 NEWS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF COVID-19 Emily Caldwell (512) 232-2212 [email protected] MANAGING EDITOR Trinady Joslin (512) 232-2217 [email protected] COVID-19 vaccine confusion NEWS OFFICE (512) 232-2207 the statement said. UT Health Austin is emergency. The form typically has had mentioned that they had vaccines [email protected] Unofficial COVID-19 vac- only vaccinating individuals in Phase 1A individualized links for specific patients, they needed to get rid of,” Nguyen said. cine sign-up link caused and Phase 1B who have completed the but it was suspended to allow for quick- After some of her colleagues received Vaccination Request Form. er registration, though it has since been cancellation emails for their appointments, thousands to make “All appointments scheduled in this reinstated, they said. Nguyen decided not to show up. manner are in the process of being Julie Nguyen, an administrative as- Cedar Creek resident Savannah Be- invalid appointments. canceled,” the statement said. “How- sociate for the educational psychology auregard said she waited in line for ever, some individuals have showed up department, said she received the link 90 minutes after signing up with the By Lauren Abel & Kevin Vu on-site today, resulting in longer than to register for a vaccine from a colleague link. She said she left when a volunteer @laurena0324, @Kevin_Vu_ normal lines.” who said extra vaccinations were avail- told those in line that their appoint- Susan Hochman, associate director able. Nguyen, who does not qualify for ments would be canceled if they did not for assessment, communications and Phase 1A or 1B, said she was not given complete a survey when signing up. undreds lined up health information technology for Uni- any screening questions when she made “From what I understand, they said outside Gregory Gym versity Health Services said in an email the appointment. that thousands more people showed up on Monday after thou- that the link was shared by individuals “When I had signed up originally I than they even expected, because they sands of individuals who received it through the UT online thought it was a free for all and that you were still going through the beginning of who do not qualify for scheduling system. didn’t necessarily have to be in either the 9 a.m. appointments when they told the COVID-19 vaccine “The link was intended only for the phase because, like I said, (my colleague) us at 11 (a.m.),” Beauregard said. made an appointment after a scheduling use of individuals who had completed link was unofficially spread. an online eligibility survey and who UT Health Austin was notified of an ac- tive vaccine scheduling link that was being fit the 1A and 1B vaccination priori- shared through unofficial networks across tization criteria as designated by the the UT community, the University said Texas Department of State Health in a statement Monday. This form result- Services,” Hochman said. ed in thousands of individuals signing up According to a UT Health Austin for appointments who did not follow the statement, the issue with the link was UT Health Austin registration process, the result of the extended weather What will your next degree be? Where do you want to earn it? What job title do you want?

Exploring your next steps beyond graduation can be overwhelming. If you’re trying to narrow down your Graduate School options, we can help.

Learn more about graduate degree programs at schools around the country, and connect with their recruiters by requesting more information through an online interest form.

andrew zamora / the daily texan staff www.graduatesoftexas.com People wait in line outside of Gregory Gym for the COVID-19 vaccine Monday. Thousands of individuals who were scheduled to receive the vaccine were at risk of having their appointment canceled. EMILY CALDWELL Editor-In-Chief | @TEXANOPINION 4 TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2021 FORUM FORUM Disability on campus Centering the discussion around equity and accessibility on campus.

By Maria Sailale accessible place. of these Forty Acres. and marketing senior, urge & Daisy Kielty While UT continues to As students, we are also UT to establish a Disability Forum Editors promote rhetoric that cel- responsible for shaping Cultural Center. ebrates the diversity of its the kind of community UT Annie Reckart, advoca- student body, disability is a should be. We have an ob- cy director for Longhorn topic that is often left out of ligation to make our cam- Best Buddies, raises aware- his week the conversation. pus an inclusive space, and ness for the international we want to highlight Whether or not all stu- that requires centering dis- “Spread the Word to End the the experi- dents feel welcome on cam- ability rights advocacy in R-Word” campaign. ences of stu- pus, whether or not they face our discussions. As always, if you have dents with disabilities and preventable barriers to suc- In this forum, Caroline any thoughts on this topic or hear from students who are cess and whether or not their Graves, a government and any other, please feel free to working to make our cam- rights are respected are all public relations senior, and reach out to us at thedaily- pus a more inclusive and factors that reflect the values Shilpa Rajagopal, a biology [email protected]. emily maccormack / the daily texan staff

FORUM FORUM

‘Nothing about us, without us’ Working to end the use of By Caroline Graves difficult and isolating. advocacy, already provide examples & Shilpa Rajagopal The onus for creating an inclu- of what this space could be. More- the R-word on campus Contributors sive, enriching environment for over, there’s precedent for Disabil- By Annie Reckart a starting point toward creating more disabled students at a university, ity Cultural Centers: Institutions Contributor accepting attitudes and communities though, should not be on student like the University of Washing- Like most freshmen, I was wor- for all people. organizations alone. While Ser- ton, the University of Arizona and ried about adjusting to college af- As we approach national Spread the vices for Students with Disabili- others have built these centers on I am the advocacy director for ter high school. As someone with a Word day on March 3, my team and I ties is another main resource for their campuses. Longhorn Best Buddies, an organi- physical disability, I was specifically have been reaching out to various or- students with disabilities at UT, it We have a saying in disability zation that is centered around ad- ganizations in order to encourage each overwhelmed by the idea of nav- predominantly focuses on the nec- advocacy circles: “Nothing about vocacy, friendship and employment member to take the pledge to end the igating campus in my wheelchair essary yet narrow task of provid- us, without us.” There are dis- for individuals with intellectual and R-word. Over 800,000 people across and all the other complexities that ing accommodations and assistive abled students at this University. developmental disabilities. over 80 countries have already commit- can come with having a disability technology. That is why it is import- By establishing a Disability Cul- Best Buddies is an organization that ted to discourage use of the R-word and at UT. ant for UT to establish a Disability tural Center, UT has a chance to has impacted myself, as well as many to remove it from everyday language. However, I was able to find an Cultural Center. not only recognize that saying, but others, to not just be more involved but Additionally, Longhorn Best Buddies amazing student organization, the A Disability Cultural Center at also to strengthen its commitment to become an advocate. Best Buddies is has partnered with UT Student Gov- an international organization, and the Disability Advocacy Student Coali- UT would create a permanent com- to addressing disability as an as- ernment in sponsoring a piece of legis- program at The University of Texas at tion, which connected me with other munity building and organizing pect of diversity, promoting equi- lation to establish the negative nature Austin is one of the largest, if not the disabled students who understood space for disabled students. This ty, inclusion and accessibility in of the word and combat its use among largest, in the country. my problems and shared an interest center could house meeting areas, the process. UT students and faculty. With all these Over the past few years, we have tak- efforts, we are hoping to foster great- in making UT a better place for peo- a library, workshops focused on dis- Graves is a government and en on the campaign “Spread the Word er acceptance so that everyone in our ple with disabilities. Without the co- ability justice and much more. The public relations senior from Aus- to End the R-Word.” The R-word hurts community can feel valued, respected Multicultural Engagement Center tin, Texas. Rajagopal is a biolo- alition and similar student groups, because it is exclusive, offensive and and included. I am sure that my college experi- and Gender and Sexuality Center, gy and marketing senior from derogatory. Our campaign asks people Reckart is an exercise science sopho- ence would have been a lot more both established through student Irvine, California. to pledge to stop saying the R-word as more from Austin, Texas.

LEGALESE | Opinions expressed in The Daily Texan SUBMIT A FIRING LINE | Email your Firing Lines to RECYCLE | Once you’ve enjoyed this copy of The EDITORIAL TWITTER | Follow The Daily Texan Editorial are those of the editor, the Editorial Board or the [email protected]. Letters must be more Daily Texan, it is yours to keep or recycle. Board on Twitter (@TexanOpinion) and receive up- writer of the article. They are not necessarily those than 100 and fewer than 300 words. The Texan dates on our latest editorials and columns. of the UT administration, the Board of Regents or the reserves the right to edit all submissions for brevity, Please do not leave your copy behind or return it to Texas Student Media Board of Operating Trustees. clarity and liability. its rack. NEWS TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2021 5

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Student Government candidates talk platform points

copyright sheryl lawrence, and reproduced with permission The Student Government debate hosted via Zoom on March 1. The four executive alliances debated virtually on issues including lack of transparency between students and Student Government, improving access to resources for students and restructuring the student experience.

By Sheryl Lawrence increasing services from accessibility to housing or to which Stokes said gives them running with Ethan Jones, @sheryl_adelle the Counseling and Mental food, that affects your men- a “unique perspective to Stu- said they are committed to Health Center, expanding tal ability,” said Williams, an dent Government and how supporting low-income stu- COVID-19 pass/fail options, architectural engineering se- (they) can solve these issues.” dents, specifically by adding Candidates for the 2021- and providing financial nior. “Expanding the amount Vice presidential candi- support for Riverside. 22 student body president stability for students. of resources we have for UT date Danielle Buffa, who is “The recent winter storm … and vice president discussed In their opening state- students, specifically during running with Javier Lopez, demonstrated the University key points of their campaigns ments, candidates for the the pandemic … is very im- said they want to use at least needs to support Riverside at the Student Government executive alliance discussed portant to us, and that’s our $10,000 of the Student Gov- and the community,” gov- debate Monday evening. plans on how they will help main target to attack.” ernment budget as donations ernment junior Kabbara said. The four executive allianc- students during their term. Presidential candidate to the UT Outpost. “Therefore, we will create a es debated virtually on issues Students in attendance were Gautham Metta, who is run- Buffa and Lopez said Riverside hub that serves a including lack of transparen- also able to ask questions. ning with Quenton Stokes, throughout the debate community by providing a cy between students and Stu- Executive alliance candi- said they want to restructure they want to have students first responder station.” dent Government, improving dates focused primarily on student orientation. talk directly to Univer- Kabbara said other steps access to resources for stu- increasing transparency be- “(There are) many indi- sity administration with to support low-income stu- dents, and restructuring the tween Student Government, vidual examples of students their issues. dents would include partner- student experience. University administration who have come together and “Every single student ing with SureWalk and stores Universitywide repre- and students, increasing achieved change,” finance at UT, not just the leaders like H-E-B to make grocery sentative candidates, who access to mental health ser- junior Metta said. “We of orgs … would be able to shopping more accessible. will work in the legislative vices, and addressing the want to re-educate every- show up and voice their Throughout the debate, branch of Student Govern- University’s racist history. one through orientation so concerns directly to us, to Kabbara and Jones said the ment, were given one min- Presidential candidate they can learn about these the executive agencies and experience they previously ute by The Daily Texan’s Dwight Peton, who is run- measures, so that they can to a representative from the held in Student Government opinion board at the begin- ning with Domanique Wil- be empowered to change the Office of the Dean of Stu- and in leadership positions ning of the debate to discuss liams, said one of the biggest world themselves.” dents,” said Buffa, political in other student organiza- their platforms. The Uni- challenges facing students is Metta and Stokes said they communication sophomore. tions make them well suited versitywide representative inaccessibility to resources. have not previously been a Presidential candidate for the role as student body candidates focused on “If you don’t have part of Student Government, Kiara Kabbara, who is president and vice president. 6 TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2021 NEWS

WEST CAMPUS Quarters residents displaced due to apartment renovations, say they were given little notice By Skye Seipp of left to fend for ourselves,” @seippetc Wang said. Wang said The Quarters did not tell her when she could Some residents of The return to her apartment un- Quarters on Campus, which til the day of. She said when includes six West Campus she moved back in there was properties, have been dis- debris left in her apartment, placed with little notice furniture was rearranged and during the past month due to some of the renovations were renovations that require resi- not complete. dents to move out. Finance junior Maryam Residents said it was dif- Syed said she moved into the ficult to find out about their Moxy Hotel on Feb. 4 and is new housing arrangements still living there as of Mon- because of a lack of commu- day. Syed said their proper- nication and responses from ty manager told her and her The Quarters. The Quarters roommates The Quarters offered to place residents would offer some compensa- in the Moxy Hotel or relo- tion for meals. She said she has visited her apartment cate them to another empty since renovations started apartment, according to an and her desk was broken email from The Quarters to beyond repair. residents, obtained by The Syed said she and her Daily Texan. There was also roommates discussed their an option to stay during ren- frustrations with their prop- ovations, although one email kirsten hahn / the daily texan staff erty manager, who offered to said due to renovations on With little warning, residents at The Quarters on Campus apartments were forced to move out in February renew their lease at a lower certain days, “access in/ because of renovations to the buildings. rate. She said when they ap- out of your unit will be next plied, the room was taken by to impossible.” other tenants and there were The renovations were no longer any four-bedroom supposed to take eight workers wearing masks inside emailing residents two weeks Evana Wang said she was giv- apartments available. Now, business days per unit, ac- the complex. in advance and sending a fol- en a 10-day notice before ren- Syed and her roommates cording to an email to The “I’ve lived here for three low-up a week later. Watson ovations began, but did not will have to move when the Quarters residents. years, so I wasn’t surprised by said the complex “fell short of receive her hotel reservations lease expires. Jennifer Tran, a biochem- the kind of treatment we re- that commitment” due to the until the day before moving “That just goes to show istry and Asian American ceived,” Tran said. “I was re- recent winter storm. out. Wang said she did not they really don’t care about receive a rent reduction this studies senior, said she was ally angry and upset because “Upon realizing the issue, their residents, and they just month for having to relocate. given a two-day notice before I really genuinely felt kind we addressed it and reached do whatever they have to get Wang was housed at the renovations started and was of helpless.” out immediately to the resi- done and just say, ‘Screw you,’ Moxy Hotel — which does not moved to another apartment in the process,” Syed said. Mike Watson, a property dents affected,” Watson said have fridges, microwaves or within the complex. Tran’s manager for The Quarters, in an email. kitchens in the rooms — for “You would hope the apart- lease states the complex can said the complex has been Watson did not respond to 19 days because of the recent ment you’re staying at would relocate any resident with a “openly communicating” a request for comment on how winter storm. … not take advantage of you five-day notice. Tran also said with residents since renova- the issue was “addressed.” “When all the restau- in that way … but I don’t think she did not see construction tions began in early 2020 by Civil engineering senior rants closed, we were kind that’s the case with Quarters.” AISLING AYERS Life&Arts Editor | @TEXANARTS LIFE&ARTS TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2021 7 CAMPUS

‘We’re trying to worry about survivng’

emily reed / the daily texan staff

and anthropology senior. “I (and they) skyrocketed be- email and during office hours to worry about surviving. Some UT stu- shouldn’t give myself a hard cause of the ice storm,” Keeler about their situations, but Why am I (having) to worry dents said their time if I get a bad grade on said. “I’m sure it’s true I could has only had two students about school?” this because I know my per- have communicated the mod- express their difficult per- Shabbir said she feels stu- professors were sonal state of being wasn’t ifications (for the exam and sonal situations since campus dents’ concerns about her the best.” class) better.” has reopened. being unaccommodating are unaccommo- From Feb. 14 to Feb. 24, The test ultimately took “I got an email from a stu- valid, as she always gives stu- winter storm Uri forced a cam- place Feb. 24, the day the dent saying their computer dents the benefit of the doubt. dating following pus closure and left millions University reopened. Benac broke down from water dam- “Some people might be in of Texans without power and said having to take a test im- age (from the storm) and they a worse situation than oth- winter storm Uri. running water. UT President mediately after returning were having trouble complet- ers,” Shabbir said. “I know Jay Hartzell urged professors from a crisis felt like a slap in ing the assignment,” Shabbir some students of mine who By Ikram Mohamed to put a pause on schoolwork, the face. said. “My response was the still don’t have water. I just @ikramxmoham but some students felt their “He never gave any alter- assignment would not be con- hope that they don’t lose professors weren’t under- nate opportunities or ad- sidered for them.” faith or motivation (during) standing of their situations. dressed the fact that some Shabbir said she ad- this time.” nowed in While Benac’s anthropolo- people may still not have justed her coursework and Ashley said she didn’t get at her par- gy test was originally sched- power or access to Canvas,” canceled one of her five her Wi-Fi back until Feb. 23, ent’s home uled for Feb. 15, her professor Benac said. “There was just an scheduled exams. the day before classes re- in Marble extended the exam window by assumption that we would all Nutrition junior Ashley, sumed. Once it returned, she Falls, Texas, 24 hours every time campus’ be okay by (Feb. 24) in order who requested anonymity said it was challenging to fin- Laura Benac reopening was pushed back. to take the test.” to avoid negative academ- ish assignments while simul- spent a week huddled over Benac’s professor, Anthro- Keeler said students didn’t ic consequences, said it was taneously recovering from the her phone, worried about her pology professor Ward Kee- contact him about dealing still frustrating to return and events of the past week. friends in Austin. Ten days ler, said he kept adjusting his with the continued impacts of be met with assignments in “We’re in the middle of later, she logged in to Can- course schedules and eventu- the storm, and said he can’t Shabbir’s class, compared to a pandemic and we experi- vas and took an anthropol- ally decided to push back ev- respond to students who hav- her other professors who had enced a snowstorm,” Ashley ogy test just two hours after ery assignment’s due date by en’t reached out to him. assigned no work last week. said. “This week was a lot for campus reopened. one week. Shagufta Shabbir, an or- “Our power and water went students. I know it’s trauma- “It’s been exhausting try- “Of course, everybody’s ganic chemistry assistant out for a couple of days,” tized people. I think lighten- ing to come back after this,” stress levels are higher be- professor, said she commu- Ashley said. “(There) was a ing up the workload might said Benac, a communication cause of the COVID pandemic nicates with students through lot of anxiety. We’re trying be helpful.” 8 TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2021 LIFE&ARTS

STUDENT LIFE

Winter storm urges UT student to create volunteer program for community affected by lack of water

By Hanaa Irfan student’s apartment where @hanaabun they could pick up boiled water or fill up their Kat Zhang, living in own jugs. one of the few build- Government freshman ings around campus Joseph Kudler was in that still had running charge of social media water during the winter outreach and said the storm, wanted to help two days leading up to her peers. She recruited the program’s release a few friends and creat- were hectic. From Feb. ed a Google spreadsheet 17-19, the team creat- where students could of- ed a water accessibil- fer water to those without. ity survey, informa- Within 24 hours, tional graphics and a Zhang’s water volunteer volunteer spreadsheet. program reached its 120 “A lot of what I did volunteer capacity. was just posting on every As nearly half of the social media platform state’s population was I could to get the word affected by water in- out,” Kudler said. “I sent frastructure problems it in every group chat I and tens of thousands was in, every GroupMe I of Austin residents was in, put it on Twitter were left without run- and Instagram.” ning water, UT stu- Kudler, who is from dents scrambled to find White Plains, New York, reliable water sources said he had never expe- around campus. rienced a state of crisis Released Feb. 19, two on par with what Texas days after the citywide went through. He said boil notice, the spread- he used his experience sheet included volun- dealing with winter teers who had experi- storms to help students ence driving in snow who were less equipped. to deliver water, had “Everything was iced functional bathrooms over, so I took my ham- and were able to provide mer and I just broke running water. away the ice on the hill “We got a lot of in front of the PCL,” traction which is really Kudler said. “Everyone awesome because hope- was slipping down (the alex donovan / the daily texan staff fully we got to help more hill) and so I created people that way,” said a walkway so people West Campus apartment Nagarajan said. “But I water notice is no longer few days. Zhang, a Chinese stud- wouldn’t slip and slide.” after reaching out to her felt like it was pretty in effect, Zhang said she “It was just nice to be ies and public relations One of the volunteers, through the form for ac- important, especial- is still coordinating wa- able to help out in what- sophomore. “It just kind Divya Nagarajan, a pub- cess to running water. ly when I know (that) ter distribution. Naga- ever way we could, since of started snowballing lic health and biochem- “I was a little on campus, for a while, rajan said she will con- we were so lucky that from there.” istry sophomore, said more hesitant about the bathrooms also tinue to provide water we did not really lose Most students in need complete strangers were that because we’re stopped working.” for students whose pipes our power or water,” were directed to a volunteer coming in and out of her pretty COVID conscious,” Although the boil have burst over the next Nagarajan said. LIFE&ARTS TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2021 9

FEATURE

UT professors share their experiences during historic winter storm, how they dealt with harsh conditions By Zoe Tzanis this unfolding tragedy was @ztzanis something that I could use to take my mind off First, the power went of the unpredictable as- out. Then the heat. Then pect of it,” Mosser said. the water. Wearing layers Assistant communica- of clothes and huddled tion professor Madeleine together with his wife, Redlick didn’t expect daughter and cat to stay the storm to leave such warm, Michael Mosser a lasting impression on saw his modern day con- Austin, let alone her fam- veniences whisked away ily. When her pipes burst in the blink of an eye. the afternoon of Feb. 15, “For a week, we got Redlick found herself in a chance to see what uncharted waters. billions of people ex- perience around the world,” Mosser said. “It was humbling.” Mosser, an international (UT) only closed relations and global studies itself day by day, and government assistant professor, said he and so we could never his neighbors faced an really plan. We just unsettling reality: be- low-freezing tempera- had to keep flexing tures, power outages, our plans.” water scarcity and uncer- tainty surrounding when MADELEINE REDLICK those problems would assistant professor be resolved. On top of adjusting “I have a Ph.D. My course schedules and ac- chloe pertuit / the daily texan staff commodating students, husband has a master’s professors like Mosser degree,” Redlick said course schedule amid the relations assistant professor, kept warm by candlelight “People were posting needs experienced a historic “We have tons of educa- uncertainty of the Uni- said even though she and and took advantage of for water (and) firewood.” winter storm mid-Feb- tion between the two of versity’s reopening. her wife both grew up in water distribution sites Five days later, when ruary that left thousands us. None of that educa- She said she found out New England, they weren’t in southwest Austin. the power and water fi- without power or water tion prepares you (on) how to deal with a burst about the University’s prepared for the impacts As conditions worsened nally returned, Ciszek for days. Two weeks lat- plans with the rest of the of the storm. outdoor pipe.” and power outages extend- said she and her wife re- er, many are still deal- UT community. “We’re just thinking, On her hands and ed, Ciszek said she saw her joiced with celebratory ing with damage to their “The University only ‘Oh it’s gonna snow. That knees in the snow, neighborhood swell with posts on social media. homes and resources. closed itself day by day, will be fun for the kids,’” Redlick said she couldn’t community spirit. “It was this glorious Playing board games so we could never really Ciszek said. “We weren’t “We really saw the moment,” Ciszek said. by candlelight and figure out how to turn plan,” Redlick said. “We aware of how unpre- spending quality time the water off and even- just had to keep flex- pared the city and state force come togeth- “Even though the water with his family, Moss- tually had to call the ing our plans for how infrastructure was.” er in our community pressure was low and er said he tried to take fire department. to be accommodating Ciszek and her family Buy Nothing group, there was still a boil his mind off of the Spending three days of what (students) were lost power for five days which is this commu- notice, it felt very cel- calamity around him. without water, Redlick going through.” and water for four. She nity Facebook group ebratory. I didn’t have “Looking for the small said it was stressful Erica Ciszek, an said they used melted where people swap to collect snow to flush moments of beauty in trying to adjust her advertising and public snow to flush toilets, resources,” Ciszek said. toilets anymore.” 44

CARTER YATES Sports Editor | @TEXANSPORTS 10 TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2021 SPORTS FOOTBALL ‘Sark Effect’ in full swing Guilbeau has good size and Texas has landed length for the position at 6 six recruits from feet tall and 175 pounds, and he earned First-Team All- the 2022 cycle District honors at Memorial High as both a sophomore in the first two and junior. He also runs the 400- and 800-meter dash months of in track. Sarkisian’s tenure. Landing high-profile wide receivers: By Riley Glenn Sarkisian picked up @rileyglenn13 commitments from two four- star wide receivers. Frisco efore head Liberty High product Evan coach Steve Stewart is the smaller of the Sarkisian was two at 6 feet tall and 175 hired Jan. 2, pounds, but his tape shows the class of eye-popping athleticism and 2022 football straight-line speed. Stewart recruiting cycle indicated the is also a track star, running confidence surrounding the a 10.74 100-meter sprint Texas football program was as well as competing in the deteriorating among high long jump and triple jump. school prospects. Armani Winfield, a 6-foot- The Longhorns had only one 2-inch 180-pound receiver joshua guenther / the daily texan file commitment in the class and from Lewisville, Texas, The Texas Longhorns football team gathers together before a game against LSU on Sept. 7, 2019. Since new head coach Southlake Carroll quarterback serves as a complement Steve Sarkisian took over in January, the Longhorns have received a commitment from six class of 2022 prospects. Quinn Ewers, the No. 1-ranked to Stewart’s skillset. He player in the nation, had is a bigger receiver who lacks both the experience and the offensive side of the ball with inch three-star linebacker from decommitted. Here is what uses his frame to bully smaller production normally seen out a commitment from four-star Martin High School in Arlington, Sarkisian has done on the cornerbacks and make contested of five-star prospects after his running back Jaydon Blue, a Texas, flew under the radar in recruiting trail in his first two catches with ease. These two school didn’t play in 2020 due 6-foot, 205-pound running back recruiting circles. However, he months as head coach: both have the ability to be key to COVID-19 protocols, but his from Klein Cain High School in gained attention from Power 5 contributors as soon as they step physical tools are that of an NFL Houston, Texas. Blue possesses schools with his strong junior Retaining a commitment on the Forty Acres. quarterback. He has the size, a nice blend of speed and power, season, accumulating 109 tackles in the secondary: athleticism and a strong arm as well as a knack for breaking and four sacks. The Longhorns Four-star cornerback Jaylon Finding a replacement that can throw the ball over 70 tackles and using his incredible most recent commit is four- Guilbeau out of Port Arthur, for Ewers: yards. Sarkisian has a great track balance to bounce off defenders. star safety Bryan Allen Jr. from Texas is the only player out of Sarkisian parlayed his clout record coaching quarterbacks, so He enjoyed a prolific junior perennial powerhouse Aledo Texas’ seven commits to have in California from coaching if he is able to unlock Murphy’s campaign, rushing for 2,155 High School. Allen is athletically pledged to the Longhorns under in the Pac-12 Conference to untapped potential, there is no yards and 30 touchdowns on gifted and marks another UT former head coach Tom Herman. landing five-star quarterback ceiling for how good he could be. 227 carries. commit with a track and field Upon accepting the head Maalik Murphy, a 6-foot-5-inch background, showing versatility in coaching position, Sarkisian 225-pound pro-style prospect out Scoring another running Beefing up the defensive the secondary. He pairs his strong honored Guilbeau’s offer and of Junipero Serra High School back pledge: side: coverage skills with a willingness retained his commitment. in Gardena, California. Murphy Texas has continued to add to Trevell Johnson, a 6-foot-1- to tackle in the run-game. 5

BARB DALY & ROCKY HIGINE Comics Editors | @TEXANCOMICS COMICS TUESDAY, MARCH 02, 2021 11 66 12 TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2021 SPORTS

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Not so under the radar: Cunningham’s hustle stands out

By Matthew Boncosky jump up to 12 feet,” Cunningham shared common understanding those tough times. … It’s given there. That’s a great game in @mboncosky said. “I’ve got to go and pick (the of wanting the same thing,” Smart me a lot of confidence to do any- my eyes.” ball) when it’s on the ground or said. “I’m just so glad that he’s thing outside of basketball.” That extra effort in doing the poke it out of people’s hands.” part of our team, because he is His work has paid off. dirty work for the Longhorns can Redshirt sophomore forward However, things haven’t al- really, really unique.” Cunningham has seen more often be the difference between vic- Brock Cunningham does not ways been rosy for Cunningham, The redshirt sophomore said consistent playing time this sea- tory and defeat. Smart stressed how show up on the stat sheet most who struggled to find playing he learned a lot about himself son, averaging 16.9 minutes per important Cunningham is to the nights, but his grit and toughness time early in his Texas career. throughout the process of settling game. His stat line rarely jumps success of the Longhorns. on the court is evident to anyone According to Smart, there was a into his role for Texas. off the page, but Cunningham “I’m proud of Brock for hanging watching the game. time when Cunningham would “I felt like I needed to work says he prefers the behind-the- in there,” Smart said. “As long as he Cunningham is perhaps the get upset about his lack of playing through freshman and sopho- scenes grit anyway. plays in Texas moving forward — best example of a player who time, but the relationship between more year and not run away from “It doesn’t bother me,” because of the trust that he’s gained knows his role on an experi- coach and player has since come a the challenge,” Cunningham Cunningham said. “I’m happy and the way that he’s played — he’s enced team with other players long way. said. “I’m unbelievably grateful with four loose balls, two fouls always going to have a pivotal role who receive far more attention “I really think we now have a that I did stay and work through and maybe a charge here and on this team.” than himself. The 6-foot-5-inch, smack-talking forward consis- tently puts his body on the line to grab rebounds or poke at any loose ball he can navigate to — important contributions that are often overlooked. “I love the role that (head) coach (Shaka) Smart has set out for me, and it’s something that I can do really well,” Cunning- ham said. “The stuff behind the scenes is where I really thrive.” The local product from Westlake High School in Austin, Texas has become a fan favorite due to his infectious energy and enthusiasm for making a tough play whenever needed. His hus- tle on the court has made him popular with teammates as well. “He’s phenomenal,” sopho- more forward Kai Jones said. “He’s like a cowboy out there. He’s just wild. I love the way he plays.” The forward’s style of play is often compared to the likes of seven-time NBA rebound- ing champion Dennis Rodman or Golden State forward Dray- mond Green, NBA players who became notorious for their ef- forts in chasing down rebounds and loose balls. Cunningham said he modeled his game after them growing up. “Getting position and jack myer / the daily texan file following the ball in the air is ev- Redshirt sophomore forward Brock Cunningham attempts to inbound the ball during a game against the University of California Baptist on Nov. 12, erything for me because I can’t 2019. Cunningham has seen his playing time increase this season as his hustle for loose balls and rebounds intensifies.